PNU Inaugurated in KSA

This Sunday, the opening of the Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah took place. Situated at a distance of 25 km from Riyadh, the largest women-only university in the world cost a cool 20 billion Saudi Riyals as regards its infrastructure and resources.

King Abdullah, along with Riyadh Governor Prince Salman and the Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf, toured the university campus, which is spread out over 800 hectares, on a train. This is a brand new experience for Saudi women who have not yet been given the right to vote in elections or drive on the roads.

The university comprises: a medical lab, research center, vast library, conference hall, 700-bed hospital, extensive hostel facilities, a sports city and waste management plant. A large percentage of the energy requirements of the campus will be provided by solar cell technology.

The British Ambassador, Sir Tom Phillips, was also present on the occasion. He lauded the wisdom and leadership of King Abdullah who had taken an important step towards extending educational opportunities to the female half of Saudi society.